CONSIGLI E TRUCCHIFinal Discussion

Develop every answer

Think in three steps: your opinion, a reason, then an example or a consequence. 'I think people will have more free time, because machines will do more of our work. My parents already shop online instead of spending Saturdays in town.'

Think beyond yourself

These questions are about people in general, not only your life. Use your own experience as an example, then widen it: 'In my country, most young people...' or 'Generally speaking, older people tend to...'.

Look at both sides

When a question has no simple answer, show that you can see more than one view: 'On the one hand... on the other...'. Then finish by saying where you stand.

React to your partner

The examiner may ask what you think of your partner's answer, so listen while they speak. Be ready to agree, disagree or add something: 'I agree with Marco, and I'd add that...'.

Think aloud, don't freeze

Some questions are hard to answer straight away. A short phrase lets you think aloud instead of going silent: 'That's an interesting question. I suppose it depends on...'. Just don't use one for every answer.

Your English is marked

You're assessed on your language, not on how clever your opinions are. A simple idea explained clearly scores better than a brilliant one you can't express.

Strategy

1. 1Listen to the whole question and decide what it's really asking.
2. 2Give your opinion clearly in your first sentence.
3. 3Support it with a reason and an example from your life or the wider world.
4. 4Consider another point of view when the question is open.
5. 5Round off with a short conclusion that brings you back to the question.
6. 6Listen to your partner and be ready to react to what they said.
7. 7Record all three answers here, then check each one has a reason and an example.

Espressioni utili